Determining the Likely Conception Date: A Guide for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Which day did conception occur?


My last menstrual period was on January 14, 2022, with a typical duration of four to five days and a regular cycle of about 28-30 days.
I had intercourse with my ex-boyfriend on January 23, and with my current boyfriend on January 28 and January 30, both instances involving withdrawal method.
According to my app, my ovulation period was from January 25 to January 31.
I had an ultrasound on February 17, and the doctor indicated that I was about five weeks along, with a measurement of 0.85 cm.
Could you please tell me which day is more likely to be the conception date? Is it possible that it could be January 23? I plan to marry my current boyfriend, and this uncertainty about the paternity of the child is making me feel very helpless.
Thank you, Dr.
Huang, for your guidance.

BB, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/18

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


It's difficult to determine this; ideally, it should be the one on January 28th.

Reply Date: 2022/02/18

More Info


To determine the likely conception date based on your menstrual cycle and sexual activity, we need to analyze a few key factors: your menstrual cycle length, ovulation timing, and the timing of sexual intercourse.

1. Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: You mentioned that your menstrual cycle typically lasts between 28 to 30 days, with your last period starting on January 14, 2022, and lasting for about four to five days. This means your next expected period would be around February 11 to February 14, 2022. Ovulation generally occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. Therefore, if we assume a 28-day cycle, ovulation would likely occur around January 28, 2022. If your cycle is on the longer side (30 days), ovulation could occur around January 30.

2. Timing of Intercourse: You had sexual intercourse with your ex-boyfriend on January 23, and with your current boyfriend on January 28 and January 30. Given that sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, any intercourse that occurs in the days leading up to ovulation can potentially result in conception.

3. Potential Conception Dates: Based on the timing of your ovulation and the sexual encounters:
- The intercourse on January 23 occurred five days before your estimated ovulation date (January 28 or 30). While it is less likely, it is still possible for conception to occur from this encounter, especially if you ovulated earlier than expected.

- The intercourse on January 28 is very close to your ovulation date, making it a prime candidate for conception.

- The encounter on January 30 is also within the ovulation window, further increasing the likelihood of conception.

4. Ultrasound Findings: You mentioned that during your ultrasound on February 17, the doctor indicated that the gestational sac measured approximately 0.85 cm, which corresponds to about five weeks of pregnancy. This timing aligns with conception likely occurring around late January.

5. Conclusion: Given the information provided, the most likely conception date would be around January 28 or January 30, 2022, due to the timing of ovulation. While it is possible that the encounter on January 23 could have resulted in conception, it is less likely compared to the encounters that occurred closer to ovulation.

6. Next Steps: If you are feeling uncertain about the paternity of the child, consider discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a paternity test after the baby is born, which can provide clarity. Additionally, if you have any further questions about your pregnancy or reproductive health, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

In summary, based on your cycle and the timing of sexual activity, it is most probable that conception occurred around January 28 or January 30, 2022. Understanding your cycle and ovulation can help you navigate these situations more effectively in the future.

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